Lots of discussion took place at the monthly meeting of Tenby and District Branch of the Labour Party on Saturday, March 21.
Some issues carried forward from the presentation in February of Labour Party Policy Documents were debated in detail. The main issue was affordable housing. Social housing to rent formed the bulk of present day need.
Members were well aware that Nick Ainger MP was actively engaged in promoting any local possibilities of building houses to let. The main problem was that the use of public land, as it became available, should be used for this purpose. The former Tenby Cottage Hospital site was a prime example. The decision made by Pembrokeshire County Council was crucial.
More support was also needed for regeneration of community groups and enterprises. Funding was controlled by the Welsh Assembly Government. More pressure was needed to increase support.
There was discussion on the future merger of the Health Boards in the same way as the Hospital Trusts. The future role of work done by the Community Health Councils needed confirmation.
The Labour Government's proposal to increase work done by GP's to include evening and weekends was debated. Despite increased funding, the Health Trust at the end of the financial year was £10,000,000 in the red. Nick Ainger MP had met with the chief executive to investigate the cause of this.
Chairman Tony Wales hoped that Mansel Thomas's proposed to reform a local group to involve patients and the public would be successful. Members were unanimously in favour of this.
The raffle prize was won by Maggie Thorne. A get well message was sent to Audrey Hilling, recovering from a recent fall.
The next meeting will be at St. Teilo's Church Hall on Saturday, April 18, when a Labour Party candidate for the June European Elections will speak at 11.30 am. All those interested, including new members and supporters, are extended a warm welcome. More information from 01834 842604.